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Who we are, what we believe and how we minister. If your question isn’t here, we’d love to hear from you.
Who we are
How was FCM formed?
FCM’s history began in the late 1960s. We were founded by men who had left the active Roman Catholic priesthood, often to marry. They had found institutional rules to be too constricting. Because they wanted to continue to engage in ministry, they founded FCM. Today we call our ordination procedure “Commissioning.” We conduct a rigorous process with a Commissioning Candidate so that we know our ordained ministers are ready to lead worship, officiate at weddings and funerals, and be Christian ministerial leaders. Read our history.
Is FCM legitimate?
We are a convention of faith communities and churches, gathering and inspiring Christians and individual ministers. Ministering to God’s people, we serve as equals and partners by providing pastoral and spiritual care, leading worship services, and officiating at weddings, baptisms, and funerals. We offer spiritual direction, lead retreats, and offer healing and interfaith outreach.
You can learn about our legal structure at Guidestar or Charity Navigator. Our federal EIN is 23-7089016.
Is FCM a church? Where are the worship services?
FCM is a community of ministers from around the United States and the world who come together to empower each other for specialized inclusive ministries. While we are a community of faith, we do not have dedicated church buildings or traditional worship services. Many of our members retain dual membership with FCM and a local community of faith (sometimes also affiliated with FCM), and we encourage members to seek out meaningful relationships with communities of faith around them.
That does not mean we do not celebrate services and worship together. There are many opportunities for members to gather in person and by video conference on a local, regional, and national level. The Spirit has called our members to serve in unique and transformational ways that do not always follow the traditional schedule of weekend services, so we provide opportunities to connect in service and worship across many venues and modalities. Find a faith community.
Does FCM accept and affirm LGBTQ+ individuals?
Membership and subsequent commissioning are not restricted on the basis of attributes such as gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other classification.
Like the early Christian communities, we believe that the people of God, whenever and wherever they gather, are church. Our Federation is a fresh expression of the original term ecclesia, a people in diaspora, caught between the already and the not yet. We show by our structures, governing style, and actions a collegial model of equality that continues to struggle against sexism, racism, poverty, ageism, heterosexism, homophobia, clericalism, environmental destruction, nationalism, and all forms, beliefs, systems, as well as actions that divide and subjugate people.
Joining FCM
Who can join FCM?
All individuals who subscribe to and are willing to uphold our purposes (see the Constitution for more information) and are seeking to participate in a vibrant community are welcome to join FCM. Explore membership.
What does it cost?
Membership dues are required each year. There are also application fees for Commissioning (ordination) and Ecclesiastical Endorsement for members who seek those authorizations for ministry. See current dues and fees.
Do I have to leave my current faith tradition?
No. Many FCM members hold dual membership with FCM and a local faith community.
How do I find out what FCM region I’m in?
Find your region and its Regional Vice President.
Commissioning and endorsement
Who is eligible for Commissioning (ordination) with FCM?
Commissioning, our word for ordination, is open to all members of FCM. Membership and subsequent commissioning are not restricted on the basis of attributes such as gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other classification. About Commissioning.
Can I just pay the fee and become ordained with FCM instantly?
No. FCM does not provide universal and open ordination or commissioning to any and all who apply. Each member seeking commissioning must complete an application with supporting materials and be approved by our leadership, the Circle of Directors.
FCM locates authority for the authorization and oversight of ministers, including ordination and continued standing, in the Circle of Directors, which includes the Regional Vice Presidents. In this work, the Circle discerns collectively the wisdom of the Spirit, the call of Christ, and the mission of God, on behalf of the membership of FCM.
Will FCM recognize my ordination in another tradition?
If you are currently or were previously ordained or otherwise authorized for ministry in another tradition, include evidence of your ordination or authorization in your application for Commissioning. FCM is not in automatic communion with any other faith tradition at this time, but your current or prior affiliation is an important part of your journey and will be reviewed by the Circle with your application.
What’s the difference between Commissioning and endorsement?
Commissioning authorizes your public ministry generally; endorsement for specialized ministry recognizes you specifically for chaplaincy and clinical pastoral work. About endorsement.
Does FCM endorsement satisfy board certification requirements?
FCM is a recognized religious endorsing body; our endorsement is intended to meet the religious-endorser requirement. For the specific requirements of your certifying organization, please contact them directly. Our Regional Vice Presidents can also help you discern whether FCM is recognized by your board.
Is FCM affirming of LGBTQ+ chaplains?
Fully and without exception. Membership, Commissioning and endorsement are open to all.